Date: 7th May 2003

New Harry Potter Book Found Dumped


Copies of the new Harry Potter novel have been found dumped in a field in southern England, according to reports from the UK.

Two first editions of author J.K Rowling's next instalment in the hugely popular series were discovered in Suffolk by an unnamed 40-year-old father-of-two, the Sun newspaper said.

The eagerly-awaited book is not due for general publication until June 21.

The tabloid sent a journalist to collect the books, which were being kept securely in the newspaper's headquarters in east London.

The paper said it was making arrangements to return the books to publishers Bloomsbury, and did not want to spoil the plot by revealing any details.

The copies of Rowling's fifth instalment, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2006), were found near Clays Ltd, a firm which will print hundreds of thousands of copies of the new book, the Sun reported.

The Harry Potter series, available in more than 40 languages, recounts the magical exploits of Harry and his wizard school friends and his struggle against the evil Lord Valdemort.

The books have made author Joanne Kathleen Rowling a multi-millionaire.


Agence France-Presse

Source: Press Release